News Archive 2008
Providing union news and resources to OCSEA members

OCSEA's News Center includes links to recent features from the current year and archives from 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004.

Dec. 31, 2008 - Bargaining Update Week 4

Dec. 19, 2008 - Bargaining Update Week 3

Dec. 12, 2008 - Bargaining Update Week 2

Dec. 4, 2008 - Bargaining Update Week 1

Dec. 12, 2008 - ODNR Chap. 2515 shows holiday spirit through toy drive

Dec. 11, 2008 - ODNR Stakeholders Group to host legislative summit Feb. 11

Dec. 10, 2008 - Union surveys members about economic impact on Ohio families, state services

Dec. 10, 2008 - OCSEA Veterans Committee survey closed

Dec. 9 , 2008 - Union's OEPA leaders draft letter to director, prep for bargaining

Dec. 9, 2008 - OCSEA / BWC Assembly meets, identifies agency-specific issues

Dec. 4, 2008 - Budget situation worsens just as bargaining starts, nation's recession made official

December 2008 - Register for union trainings

December 2008 - Video: OCSEA recognizes Labor 2008 union activists

November 2008 - Apple offers deals on iPods

November 2008 - Order Cleveland Cavaliers tickets online for Dec. 5, 12

November 2008 - Register for union trainings

Nov. 26, 2008 - State revamps flextime policy

Nov. 26, 2008 - OCSEA activists, volunteers recognized for efforts

Nov. 19, 2008 - Stay connected, support bargaining team

Nov. 17, 2008 - Complete Veterans Committee survey by Dec. 5

Nov. 17, 2008 - ODOT union leaders discuss negotiations, safety vests

Nov. 12, 2008 - DAS approves IT classification proposal; Project moves forward

Nov. 3, 2008 - Voter rights volunteers ready statewide; Help by learning toll free 1-866-OUR-VOTE hotline

Nov. 3, 2008 - AFSCME Pres. Gerald W. McEntee delivers Election Eve message to members only

Nov. 3, 2008 - Ohio AFL-CIO Road to Recovery Walk highlights state's job loss; Campain wraps up with Statehouse rally

Oct. 31, 2008 - Join AFL-CIO Pres. Rugola in Columbus; Job-loss Walk ends Nov. 3 at Statehouse noon rally

Oct. 28, 2008 - AFSCME Pres. McEntee: Keep up good work in final days before Election Day

Oct. 28, 2008 - Ohio PERS healthy despite downturn

Oct. 23, 2008 - Pre-negotiations discussions underway; New approach to bargaining “on table”

Oct. 23, 2008 - Volunteer for poll monitoring; Voter rights trainings offered

Oct. 23, 2008 - Dispatch story mischaracterized OCSEA's position on OAKS

Oct. 16, 2008 - Members shuttled to early voting

Oct. 10, 2008 - Local leaders, retirees join stewards for Oct. 4 conference; OCSEA Pres: GOTV now!

Oct. 10, 2008 -OCSEA retirees needed as GOTV volunteers; Challenge grant dollars to defray costs

Oct. 8, 2008 - Get Labor '08 keepsakes now to make change that matters

Oct. 2, 2008 - Flexible Spending Account open enrollment runs Oct. 6 - 31

Oct. 2, 2008 - Shared Services locations eyed; Parks appoints committee

Oct. 1, 2008 - Union fairs educate members on early voting, election issues

Sept. 29, 2008 - Visit first-ever PEOPLE Mall at Oct. 4 event; "Watch" for deals

Sept. 26, 2008 - New Directions newsletter online

Sept. 25, 2008 - Steward Conference open to ALL union activists, retirees

Sept. 24, 2008 - Budget Cuts: OCSEA members spared… this time

Sept. 24, 2008 - ODOT leaders hold phone bank, announce negotiating team

Sept. 19, 2008 - Ohio EPA Assembly discuss flex time, political action at meeting

Sept. 17, 2008 - Leaders offer voter info at picnic hosted by Columbus chapter

Sept. 15, 2008 - New bulletin board fliers online

Sept. 15, 2008 - Info Tech: Review draft class specs; Comments due Sept. 19

Sept. 12, 2008 - ODOT joint committee members discuss salt costs, vests

Sept. 12, 2008 - Mediation victory: All displaced ODJFS employees likely to return to work; L-M Contracting Committee also created

Sept.11, 2008 -Workshops announced for Oct. 4 Steward Conference

Sept. 10, 2008 - Union responds to Governor’s announcement of budget cuts

Sept. 10, 2008 - Joint committee to discuss Shared Services project

Sept. 9, 2008 - Political Action Day cookout inspires activists to up efforts

Sept. 9, 2008 - IC Chap. 2525 offers voter info, shows appreciation at event

Sept. 9, 2008 - RSC chapter holds member luncheon with PEOPLE focus

Sept. 5, 2008 - Coalition pulls sick day issue from fall ballot; OCSEA backs decision, looks toward future

Sept. 3, 2008 - Three chapters host fair at Lazarus building in Columbus

Sept. 2, 2008 - CCC ends soon: Give to OLMR

Sept. 2, 2008 - PEOPLE introduced to union members at three work sites

Sept 2008 - IT workers invited to briefings, Sept. 25 union meeting

Sept. 2008 - FAQ on IT classification updated

August 2008 - AFSCME Family Scholarship application opens for 2009-2010

Aug. 27, 2008 - Get facts on early voting now; Request ballots starting Sept. 30

Aug. 22, 2008 - Joint IT committee holds focus group on classification design

Aug. 22, 2008 - Download New Directions

Aug. 21, 2008 - Download September UBBNs

Aug. 21, 2008 - ODJFS Assembly surveys membership on bargaining

Aug. 21, 2008 - Challenge Grants available for Labor ‘08 events

Aug. 21, 2008 - OCSEA Steward Conference set for Oct. 4 in Columbus

Aug. 19, 2008 - June Board of Directors meeting minutes okayed Aug. 16, online

Aug. 19, 2008 - What are you doing Labor Day? Show solidarity, union pride

Aug. 19, 2008 - Know who represents you on Board of Directors? Find out

Aug. 18, 2008 - Board members sworn in at Aug. 16 directors' meeting

Aug. 11, 2008 - WAC relay team raised record dollars for PEOPLE Fun Run

Aug. 8, 2008 - Joint IT committee to hold focus group at union hall on Aug. 20

Aug. 8, 2008 - Board runoff election results announced; Winners to take oath at Aug. 15 - 16 meeting

Aug. 5, 2008 - Quality activists learn, laugh at July 31 Pathways to Excellence

Aug. 4, 2008 - UPDATE: Info Tech FAQ 

Aug. 4, 2008 - News Archive of AFSCME's 38th International Convention

Aug. 1, 2008 - OCSEA Chapter GCI member tells story of organizing efforts - in Kentucky? Yes!

July 31, 2008 - Sen. Obama speaks to AFSCME convention delegates

July 28, 2008 - Union corrects label error on member magazine mailing

July 2008 - OCSEA Pres. Parks named AFL-CIO Labor Leader of Week; View video interview now

July 2008 - OCSEA Pres. Parks talks to members about fall election

July 25, 2008 - AFSCME Pres. McEntee urges Congress to give fiscal relief

July 25, 2008 - Steward Academy a success 

July 25, 2008 - UET increases CIP to $3,500

July 24, 2008 - ODOT bargaining online 

July 24, 2008 - PEOPLE benefits ODOT

July 23, 2008 - AFSCME goes "green" at July 28 - Aug. 1 biennial convention

July 16, 2008 - RSVP: JFS phone bank Aug. 9 

July 15, 2008 - Board runoff ballots due July 31

July 14, 2008 - FAQ: Joint IT committee offers classification project details

Juy 14, 2008 - Bargaining Council selects team

July 14, 2008 - Top 10 bargaining issues picked

July 9, 2008 - Bargaining Council registrations due ASAP for July 12 event

July 8, 2008 - Local leaders support, plan activities to get vote out this fall

July 2, 2008 - Board election results announced; 3 runoffs in July

July 1, 2008 - Union convinces state to up mileage rate to 50.5 cents

July 1, 2008 - Union-negotiated pay raise kicks in July 1

June 2008 - Columbus Zoo & Zoombezi Bay included in Fun Coupons

June 26, 2008 - Advisory committee reviewed bargaining surveys, gave input'

June 26, 2008 - Presentation describes joint IT reclassification project, goals 

June 25, 2008 - AFL-CIO recognizes Ivan Stithem as Labor Leader of Week

June 25, 2008 - AFSCME endorses presidential candidate; Parks meets with Obama

June 23, 2008 - OVH employee Ferguson wins Horizon Award

June 24, 2008 - OCSEA endorses presidential candidate

June 19, 2008 - New officers elected by Ohio EPA Assembly members

June 13, 2008 - Layoffs: Displaced workers browse resource fair offerings

June 13, 2008 - Download Challenge Grant Form for leaders

June 12, 2008 - Legislature wraps up capital/corrections bill

June 5, 2008 - PEOPLE recruiters "Gear Up & Gas Up" for elections, bargaining

June 3, 2008 - NCCI Chapter 5188 hosts Voter Registration, PEOPLE drive in parking lot

June 3, 2008 - Memorial slide show honored union sisters, brothers (PDF)

June 3, 2008 - WAC '08: Conferees learn how to manage life's ups, downs

June 3, 2008 -
Photos: WAC '08 at Salt Fork

June 2, 2008 - Take advantage of health incentives before June 30

June 2, 2008 - Sneak preview of June 6 New Directions newsletter for leaders, activists (PDF

June 2008 - Walking with Dinosaurs tickets discounted for union members

May 30, 2008 - UnitedHealthcare bargaining with OhioHealth system; Contract expiration June 9

May 30, 2008 - Leaders say job cuts could affect security; Members picket

May 28, 2008 - Ballots for Board of Directors' elections mailed June 2; Due June 25

May 28, 2008 - April winners announced for Gear Up & Gas Up contest

May 27, 2008 - Faith Vote needs you

May 21, 2008 - Holiday pay eligibility settled; Union gets back pay for most grievants 

May 21, 2008 - Download new UBBNs

May 20, 2008 - Union participates in joint subcommittee to review IT jobs

May 20, 2008 - Take Charge! Live Well! incentive rewards paid

May 19, 2008 - AFL-CIO stands up for veterans, surveys members to ID needs

May 16, 2008 - ODNR releases layoff rationale; Union helps displaced workers

May 13, 2008 - Bargaining Council meets July 12 to select negotiating team

May 12, 2008 - Talk to members in your town during May 17 Labor Walk

May 16, 2008 - ODNR releases layoff rationale; Union helps displaced workers

May 9, 2008 - Team Up ODOT: President Parks encourages quality activists; Trout honored

May 8, 2008 - Prison picket pays off at BeCI

May 8, 2008 - DRC releases layoff timeline

May 7, 2008 - Members protest prison job cuts

May 5, 2008 - Correction Officer of Year named: Veeda Rucker, WCI 

May 5, 2008 - Team Up ODOT''s agenda packed full for 10th anniversary

May 2, 2008 - ODJFS announces 77 position cuts; Union’s focus turns to displaced members

May 2, 2008 - Union: Cuts could affect security

May 2, 2008 - Layoffs class scheduled in several cities statewide for May

May 2, 2008 - Regional Worker Adjustment Committees gear up to help

May 2, 2008 - UET can help you develop new skills, sharpen existing skills

May 2, 2008 - Union Benefits Trust posts job

May 1, 2008 - Union leaders address paper layoffs, work to reduce job loss

May 1, 2008 - Support Ohio Healthy Families Act; Write letter to editor

May 2008 - AFSCME offers online class on investor education

May 2008 - Register for May 29 "Smart Credit Strategies" webinar

April 30, 2008 - New UET process could reduce tax liability on tuition 

April 30, 2008 - Layoffs class scheduled in several cities statewide for May

April 30, 2008 - Regional Worker Adjustment Committees gear up to help

April 30, 2008 - Register for WAC by May 16

April 30, 2008 - PEOPLE offers MVP Quarterly Payment Plan for retirees and local government members

April 30, 2008 - DRC Agreement signed to save jobs

April 30, 2008 - Members to protest prison job cuts outside of Belmont Correctional Institution

April 29, 2008 - ODJFS budget reduction plan anticipated later this week

April 29, 2008 - Participate in local union candidate screenings

April 29, 2008 - PEOPLE: New quarterly plan for retirees, local government

April 29, 2008 - Register online for union classes

April 28, 2008 - Quality leaders use power event to recruit agency activists

April 28, 2008 - Layoff training offered April 29 to ODJFS union members

April 25, 2008 - Columbus JFS chapter goes above, beyond at union fairs

April 25, 2008 - Joint JFS committee submits recommendations to director

April 24, 2008 - Know how to keep safe on job

April 23, 2008 - ODNR unionist lobby legislators

April 23, 2008 - First-ever PEOPLE auction successful, held at BUP 8

April 22, 2008 - Get free health screenings

April 22, 2008 - Bargaining Advisory Council meets in June

April 21, 2008 - Building Union Power 8 mobilizes, offers tools

April 21, 2008 - HPI awards presented to 8 chapters at BUP 8

April 18, 2008 - Open enrollment May 5 - 16

April 18, 2008 - Bus heads to PA for GOTV

April 15, 2008 - Members to bid on auction items at BUP8 to raise PEOPLE dollars

April 15, 2008 - Event workshops designed to help members make change that matters

April 15, 2008 - Guest speaker says health care messaging to clinch 2008 elections

April 14, 2008 - Power-packed agenda to help support members in making change that matters

Apri 11, 2008 - Chapter 2599 to host 3 health, education fairs in Columbus

April 11, 2008 - OCSEA leaders mourn loss of union activist Bob Boger

April 10, 2008 - OCSEA members in DR&C shoulder unfair burden of cuts

April 10, 2008 - ODNR Activists on Earth Day to lobby legislators; Register now

April 2, 2008 - BUP to showcase Gear Up & Gas Up with PEOPLE contest

April 2, 2008 - WAC event set for May 30 - June 1 at Salt Fork Resort

April 1, 2008 - AFSCME affiliate leaders gear up for Labor 2008 activities

April 2008 - OCSEA assembly leaders to participate in NASHTU to advocate for federal dollars

April 2008 - Consider Retiree Membership

April 2008 - ERIP factsheet updated

April 2008 - Disability factsheet updated (PDF)

April 2008 - ODJFS Assembly Pres. asks for Q & A input by April 23

March 29, 2008 - Photo Gallery Update: AFSCME Affiliates meet to gear up for Labor 2008 Activities

March 20, 2008 - Download most recent UBBN materials for your board

March 19, 2008 - Celebrate Team Up ODOT

March 13, 2008 - Consider your BUP 8 workshop choices now; Register now

March 13, 2008 - OCSEA Department Factsheet on ERIP revised (PDF)

March 12, 2008 - Union leaders work to minimize damage to agency programs, jobs

March 12, 2008 - Bush administration to fund employment services at -100% (yeah, that's ZERO)

March 12, 2008 - OCB director leaves; Note new address when sending forms

March 11, 2008 - Sign up by April 9 to donate items for auction at BUP

March 11, 2008 - OCSEA VP testifies on Veterans Department bill

March 2008 - Stop MRDD cuts; Email your legislators now

March 6, 2008 - TAKE ACTION: Stop MRDD cuts; Email your legislators

March 6, 2008 - FAQ: Flextime & Alternative Work Schedule Changes

March 2008 - Savings: 2 Cavs games left

March 4, 2008 - Share your ideas to ease ODJFS budget squeeze

Feb. 2008 - Extras Benefit Correction: First Communications local, long distance phone plans

Feb. 29, 2008 - Check your union bulletin or online PDFs

Feb. 28, 2008 - Photo Gallery Update: AFSCME Retirees Chapter 1184 Luncheon

Feb. 27, 2008 - TAKE ACTION: Urge legislators to stop MH hospital closings

Feb. 26, 2008 - Board meeting minutes posted; Login to view

Feb. 26, 2008 - Note new address when sending forms

Feb. 22, 2008 - Tell OCSEA how flextime changes impact your family, your customers

Feb. 22, 2008 - Help get out vote for Hillary by March 4; Join labor walks, phone banks in your area

Feb. 19, 2008 - Labor, management agree to review IT classifications

Feb. 15 - 17, 2008 - Photo Gallery Update: CMCA Conference

Feb. 15, 2008 - Union members, community to protest closing of Dayton mental health hospital

Feb. 11, 2008 - Legislative Watch: Federal budget cuts hurt jobless and state budgets

Feb. 11, 2008 - Final Bush budget means cuts to AFSCME member jobs across nation

Feb. 11, 2008 - Congress passes stimulus plan; Senate Republicans blocked addition of unemployment benefit extensions and home heating assistance

Feb. 7, 2008 - AFSCME to Congress: Reform or Repeal GPO, WEP Laws hurting retirees

Feb. 6, 2008 - AFSCME convention delegate elections approach this spring

Feb. 5, 2008 - BUP 8 event delivers tools for change

Feb 2008 - Savings: 3 Cavs games left

Jan. 29, 2008 - Agency Review Teams request member input

Jan. 29, 2008 - Feb. 4: Last day to register to vote in March 4 Primary

Jan. 28, 2008 - OAKS tracks preventive care incentives; Next batch paid after Feb. 29

Jan. 28, 2008 - Get free health screening at your workplace

Jan. 25, 2008 - Ohio AFL-CIO President Joe Rugola testifies on government pension offset impact on AFSCME members

Jan. 25, 2008 - Economic stimulus plan on move; Ignores needs of states, local governments

Jan. 24, 2008 - Ohio's low-income children denied health care thanks to Congressional Bushies

Jan. 23, 2008 - Agencies to consider options to fill budget gap

Jan. 23, 2008 - DYS Report: Facilities overcrowded, understaffed

Jan. 22, 2008 - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. helped AFSCME sanitation workers 40 years ago

Jan. 22, 2008 -
Watch MLK Jr. video

Jan. 16, 2008 - Help override Bush veto on children's health insurance

Jan. 16, 2008 - Union Plus Scholarship deadline: Jan. 31, 2008

Jan. 15, 2008 - Blog - Consider paper, early voter ballot to ensure your vote counts

Jan. 15, 2008 - ERI OCSEA Education Factsheet (PDF)

Jan. 14, 2008 - Blog - Financial woes push Gov. Strickland to consider ERIs

Jan. 14, 2008 - Check out State of Ohio's foreclosure prevention programs

Jan. 14, 2008 - Blog - Policy Matters Ohio: Growth of Payday Lending in Ohio

Jan. 14, 2008 - Cut your tax preparation time, filing fees

Jan. 14, 2008 - Blog - Save money, time this tax season

Jan. 11, 2008 - Share your stories of savings, stretched dollars

Jan. 11, 2008 - Are You Struggling With Debt? Union offers help

Jan. 11, 2008 - Blog - Burdonsome photo ID rules could tip balance in presidential race

Jan. 11, 2008 - Blog - Baby boomers' impact on Ohio's economy making noise

Jan. 10, 2008 - Revised constitution and bylaws sent to presidents; Order extras today

Jan. 8, 2008 - Blog - State considers early retirements